Fitness

“Pick-up games are never in short supply! Groups play regularly, often multiple times a week, on the court in the Olin Hall basement (right next to the FLTC). Additionally, games go on all weekdays on the Danforth Campus after 5 p.m. There are also intramural leagues to play 3 vs. 3 in the winter and 5 vs. 5 in the spring.” 

“I had never boxed before moving to St. Louis, but wanted to find a fun workout space that I’d actually stick with when schoolwork got more intense. I found a place called Ilovekickboxing, which had a really cheap promo, gave me gloves and everything. I really like having scheduled classes that I feel like I have to be at every week, and the workout is amazing! The community is super supportive and fun — it’s mainly 20-35-year-old women kickboxing out to My Chemical Romance and the Jonas Brothers, so it’s a lighthearted, refreshing break from the med school grind!” 

[caption id="attachment_12462" align="alignleft" width="350"] Kristin P. climbs the rock wall at Upper Limits.[/caption]

“Though the Midwest may be flat, rock climbing culture is alive and well here at WashU. WUSM students can join the ClimbRx student group to get a huge student discount on memberships at the local indoor rock climbing gym, Climb So Ill. Located in what used to be the power plant of St. Louis City Hospital #1, Climb So Ill is just a 10-minute drive from school and features a 50-plus foot wall for top-rope and sport climbing, smaller walls for auto-belays, an extensive bouldering area, and a training area with hangboards, weights, and training wall. The student membership includes free gear rentals, guest passes, and shop discounts. Memberships are not required to climb at the gym, and students who climb at WashU range across all levels of expertise. They always welcome newcomers!”

[caption id="attachment_12463" align="alignleft" width="350"] M1s dancing to Lizzo in the choreographed "boy band dance" at the annual AMWA Red Dress Event.[/caption]

“There are quite a few dance studios in the area, but Central Studio is just a hop, skip, and jeté away — that is, about 10 minutes from the FLTC. They offer adult classes in a variety of genres (ballet, contemporary/jazz, tap, and more), and you can either attend on a drop-in basis ($16/class) or buy a class pack! Pro tip: Wait for their Black Friday sale, when you can snag a bundle for ~$11/class. Most classes are offered in two levels, with Level 1 being geared towards beginner dancers and Level 2 towards intermediate/advanced dancers. Ballet class is even more fun post-Anatomy — you’ll find yourself intimately familiar with each and every muscle activated by that plié.” 

“Orangetheory, located in the CWE, is a great workout option close to the medical school campus. The workouts consist of a combination of running, rowing, and weight-lifting. Participants wear heart rate monitors during the class and are awarded points when their heart rate is in the ‘orange zone.’ The goal is to get 12 or more points throughout the hour-long workout. The classes are great for anyone looking to be pushed to perform at their peak level!” 

“First off, let’s get one thing clear: there is a world of difference between ‘ping pong’ and table tennis. Fortunately, we are primarily participants in the former, not the latter (though we do have a Division II tennis star from Croatia in our crew). While we did purchase our own equipment and frequently wrestle with the occasionally wet floors and sometimes moved plants in 818 (the Core Apartment Residences), the end goal of our pursuits is both skill and fun, not just one or the other. If you are interested in higher level play, there is a club at the Danforth Campus that plays on the South Campus on regulation tables every week. On the other hand, if you’re interested in joining our eight-year pursuit of perfection, feel free to reach out or hang out around 818, as you’re bound to see us pinging some pong eventually.” 

“The obvious choice for running outdoors for most students living in the Central West End, the Grove, and other neighborhoods surrounding Forest Park will be in and around Forest Park’s 1,300 acres. The perimeter of Forest Park measures over six miles, and there are many beautiful roads and paths within that offer rewarding diversions from your daily route. Tower Grove Park is similarly large, well-maintained, and safe for students living nearby. Within a half-hour drive of the city, gorgeous trail running opportunities abound at Creve Coeur Lake, Castlewood State Park, Cliff Cave County Park, Weldon Spring Conservation Area, and countless other locations (all especially picturesque in the fall!). For those looking to compete, there are many races in St. Louis throughout the year, including the marathon in March/April.”

“If you’re looking for some intense HIIT, or you’re a runner looking for a good treadmill class to get you through the winter, Shred is a great solution. Dark rooms and good music will keep you in the zone throughout this grueling workout, alternating between treadmill runs on their top of the line Woodway treadmills and weighted/bodyweight exercises on your workout bench. You will leave drenched and shredded. Located right off the metro in Brentwood, so it’s easy to get to from campus. Class packs are pricey but they offer student discounts.”